Monthly Archives: February 2019

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY (EHS) REMINDS PET OWNERS TO SPAY AND NEUTER THEIR PETS THIS WORLD SPAY DAY Programs such as EHS’ Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) help to  address pet overpopulation in the community. EDMONTON, AB (February 26, 2019) – Today marks World Spay Day, and the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is using the opportunity to remind pet owners about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. “Beyond preventing a surprise, unwanted litter, there are medical and behavioural benefits to getting your pet spayed or neutered,” says Dr. Disa Boyd, shelter veterinarian at EHS. “The lifespan of pets that have been fixed is often longer, as spaying and neutering can prevent certain types of cancers and infections. It can also help to mitigate behaviour concerns, such as roaming and spraying urine.” The cost of the surgery can be prohibitive for some pet owners however. This is why EHS launched their Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) program in 2012, to provide low-income pet owners in Edmonton and area a low-cost option for getting their pets fixed. The program recently received a grant of $31,000 from PetSmart Charities of Canada to continue through 2019, and also receives funding through the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC). “The Edmonton Humane Society’s PALS program is a leading example of [...]

An Open Letter to Humane Society Supporters and Animal Lovers in our Community The following letter was originally published in the Edmonton Journal on February 9, 2019.  When I volunteered to become Chair of the Edmonton Humane Society’s Board of Directors last May, it was an easy decision. As an animal lover myself, I was inspired by the important work the more than 110-year-old not-for-profit does every day, saving lives and giving animals a second chance they may not otherwise have. The recent decision the Edmonton Humane Society Board made with regards to ending enforcement of the Animal Protection Act was not as easy. This decision led to a lot of sleepless nights, and I want to share why with you. I recognize that this change came as a surprise to many in our community. Like you, we wondered if not us, who would ensure that animal protection legislation was enforced? This is the answer we were hoping to confirm before sharing the news with you. As advocates for animal welfare, we believe animal protection is a vital service for our community. We approached both municipal and provincial levels of Government with our concerns and questions, but after decades of voluntarily carrying out this work, it seemed there was no back-up plan. That’s why we were working hard behind-the-scenes, calling, emailing and meeting with various [...]